Rock Fans Burn Press Box After Concert Cancellation

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BOWLING GREEN Ohio (AP) — A crowd of rock music fans, angered by the cancellation of part of a concert, burned down the press box at Bowling Green State University's Doyt-Perry Stadium Sunday night. An estimated 33.000 persons had flocked to the stadium for the Poe Ditch Music Festival that ended in a rainstorm. The windy downpour and technical problems forced promoters to call off the concert as the top attractions. Johnny Winter and Golden Earring, were preparing to go onstage.

Disgruntled fans began throwing bottles on- stage as equipment was moved out of the rain, then set fire to the press box when* the final two groups declined to perform, fire officials said. City police also reported a fire in the downtown area about the same time, but were unable to confirm that it was related to the disturbance. Eight rock groups were invited to play for the concert that raised an estimated $35,000 for the school's athletic program according to Ross Todd, promoter of the festival. The crowd began gathering as early as Saturday morning for the program that began at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Todd said. Security personnel from the university. Bowling Green police and the Wood County sheriff's department were on hand to control the crowd.

A 13-bed first aid station was filled all day with people suffering from everything from cut feet to drug side effects, to an expectant mother in labor, one of the physicians on hand said. Tickets went for $10 at the gate, and $7 to students and $8 for regular tickets in advance.

Source & Full Article: 75-05-31 Hillsboro, Ohio Press Gazette